December 31    Train ride from Hue to Danang

This particular train ride is called one of the best in the country for it's spectacular scenery. The train travels south through lowland, rice paddies, past fishing villages, and through many tunnels as it makes it's way to Danang.
I'm working on this blog in the Highlands Coffee, which is the Starbuck's of Vietnam. The internet connection is not working in my hotel.
The ticket. Notice that it says, "Foreigner."

Here's the train number, a little out of focus.

And the platform.

The train arrives from Hanoi. Think second-hand, either Chinese or Soviet made.

Boarding madness. The passengers who are getting off with their luggage are coming out, the new passengers are getting on, all at the same time. It seemed like their was a short window for exiting and boarding so everyone is squishing together to get off or on.

I was in the "soft seat" car. There was only one car like this, the other cars had wooden seats, no padding or sleeper cars. The train was about 10 cars long plus the engine. Everything looks tired and old, but it was just fine. The seats are assigned when you buy the ticket.

My seat was by a partially stuck open window. The good part, fresh air, photos with no glass impediment. The bad part, diesel fumes came in whenever we were in a tunnel, of which there were about 8.

Beautiful bridge. I'm not sure what town this is.


Spectacular coastline.

Hills/mountains covered with kudzu.

Beautiful bays.

Fishing village.

Arrival at Danang. Fortunately there's an exit sign.

Front of Danang Railway Station.

The train ride was right on schedule. It took 2 1/2 hours from one city to the other. Way to go Vietnam Railway System!